A COLLEGE has paid tribute to a retiring MEP by naming a community room in his honour.

A special reception was staged at Carmel College, in Darlington, to mark the decades of service Stephen Hughes has given to the region.

Principal Maura Regan told guests: “Stephen is a stalwart of the community and a great supporter of the college and all the international work we do here.

“For 30 years he has dedicated his life to others and has influenced issues such as maternity leave, health and safety and the rights of workers across Europe.

“He is a man of vision, integrity, servitude and truth and we are delighted that one of our rooms will now carry his name.”

Mr Hughes, elected six consecutive times as MEP for Durham and Blaydon, said it was an honour to have his name associated with a community room at the college, where his wife, Cyndi, is chair of governors and his daughter Amelia and son James are students.

“Just being allowed to do the job was honour enough,” he said.

“What the college is doing is vitally important as it is shaping young hearts and minds and they will be able to serve the community for decades to come.”